For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  

Romans 8:38-39

Loving God,

We do believe that nothing can separate us from your love; 

help our unbelief.

Today especially, I think of people who are lonely, 

especially those who long for a spouse.

Sometimes they feel unloved, left out, flawed even, 

because they have waited and prayed for years 

for their beloved on earth, 

but you have not yet granted their request. 

We know, Lord, that we all belong to you, 

that indeed “our Maker is our husband” (see Isaiah 54:5), 

but we plead for those who long for a spouse:

Overpower them with the knowledge 

of your compassionate love for them;

Be near to them in their sorrow and longing;

Energize them with your endurance 

when they feel they can wait no more;

Give them wisdom and patience 

about how and whom to date;

And, if it be your will, 

put that person in their lives even today

who will give them a foretaste of the perfect love 

we will all know one day 

when our bridegroom Jesus returns. 

In Jesus’ beloved name. Amen. 

Read Romans 8:38-39; Isaiah 54:1-8.